According to the FAAs body mass index guidelines, Im not obese but, like many Americans, I should lose some weight. Ive long known that I should retrain myself to reach for an apple-or better yet a carrot-when Im hungry, instead of some chocolate or junk food. Yeah, Im workin on it, um, real soon now. Now, the FAA is, too.
The FAA has mandated that Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) refer pilots with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 for a sleep study.
This new directive is driven by concerns that high BMI is associated with obstructive sleep apnea, potentially leading to pilot fatigue and safety issues.
Pilot organizations (AOPA, EAA) and the author strongly object, arguing there is no scientific data linking BMI directly to accident rates and that the directive places an unnecessary burden on pilots.
According to the FAA’s body mass index guidelines, I’m not obese but, like many Americans, I should lose some weight. I’ve long known that I should retrain myself to reach for an apple—or better yet a carrot—when I’m hungry, instead of some chocolate or junk food. Yeah, I’m workin’ on it, um, real soon now. Now, the FAA is, too.
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